FREE
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS DECEMBER 2020 | VOL. 14 • ISSUE 12 | POVHOUMA.COM
CONTENTS |
DECEMBER 2020 • VOLUME 14 • ISSUE 12
CONT HOME + LIVING
Page 12
12 HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Mark and Kayce Danos; Rachel and Brian Bergeron; Shannon and Amy Lewis; and Dean and Danielle Cheramie.
FOOD + FUN
Page 28
MIND + BODY
Page 38
28 A BEAUTIFUL VIEW
38 BRINGING THE LIGHT
32 THE OBSERVER
44 WE SUPPORT A HEALTHIER FUTURE
TGMC introduces NICUVIEW cameras for their tiniest patients.
The Weary World Rejoices
Young Life shares their message of light to our area youth.
Healthy Holiday Eating
24 THE OBSERVER You are The Traffic
34 BON APPETIT Cookie Crazy
December 2020 2 povhouma.com
ENTS EXTRAS
ON THE COVER
WORD, YA HEARD
EXULT ig-ZULT verb to be extremely joyful: rejoice
WORD ON THE STREET She exulted that the end of 2020 was near! The children were exulting that Santa had come on Christmas morning.
06 EDITOR’S NOTE
Good Tidings of Great Joy
08 INTERVUE
Second Annual Home for the Holidays Photo: Misty Leigh McElroy
Say What?
46 UNDER THE SCOPE The Lost Episode
48 RENDEZVOUS
Where you need to be around town
50 LOOK TWICE
Sponsored by Synergy Bank
December 2020 3 povhouma.com
VISIT US ONLINE: povhouma.com
The Best Choice
IN SHORT TERM
REHAB
What's your holiday decor style?
PUBLISHER
Brian Rushing
Kid- and dogproof chaos
Whether recovering from a stroke, fall, or other medical condition, our customized rehab program helps you recover quickly so you can get back home. If you’re getting ready for long-term living, we make the transition from home to our community as rewarding as possible. A variety of spacious resident suites offer the ultimate in privacy and comfort.
EDITORIAL
Mary Downer Ditch EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Drew Miller ASSOCIATE EDITOR ADVERTISING
Deanne Ratliff DIRECTOR OF SALES Beth Tabor MARKETING CONSULTANT Traditionalish with all the Mr. Bingle I can get my hands on
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
Michelle Ortego SUBSCRIPTIONS
Point of Vue magazine is published monthly. Subscriptions are available for $36 for 12 issues. For more information, email mail@rushing-media.com or visit rushing-media.com/subscriptions.
CREATIVE
Amber Duplantis SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Lauren Pontiff GRAPHIC DESIGNER PHOTOGRAPHY
Misty Leigh McElroy CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Keely Diebold Jaime Dishman John Doucet Bonnie Rushing CONTACT
Publisher: publisher@rushing-media.com Editorial: mary@rushing-media.com Creative: graphics@rushing-media.com Sales: sales@rushing-media.com
AMENITIES INCLUDE: •MUSIC & MEMORY THERAPY •KITCHEN THERAPY •LIVE & LOCAL CONCERTS •IN-HOUSE THERAPY DOG •NOVEL EXCURSIONS •GAMES & CRAFTS Fast track to a comeback program, a state of the art short term skilled therapy.
Copyright ©2020 Rushing Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of editorial and/or graphic content is strictly prohibited.
Business address: Rushing Media, P.O. Box 5013, Houma, LA 70361 • 985.868.7515 Point of Vue magazine cannot be responsible for the return of unsolicited material such as manuscripts or photographs, with or without the inclusion of a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Information in this publication is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. The opinions expressed in Point of Vue magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Rushing Media, our employees or any of our advertisers. No employee or family member(s) of employees of Rushing Media are permitted to partake in any contests, giveaways or sweepstakes.
(985) 532-1011 7534 Hwy. 1 Lockport, LA 70374 www.thebroadwayelderliving.org
December 2020 4 povhouma.com
Glamour Christmas with lots of sparkles
Spinal Implant Procedures including:
• INTRATHECAL PUMP IMPLANT • SPINAL CORD STIMULATOR IMPLANT • VERTIFLEX - (MINIMALLY INVASIVE TREATMENT FOR SPINAL STENOSIS) DR. HAYDEL IS 1 OF ONLY 3 PHYSICIANS IN THE STATE OF LOUISIANA & IS 1 OF ONLY 20 PHYSICIANS IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY THAT HAS EXCEEDED OVER 100 VERTIFLEX PROCEDURES
Interventional Pain Procedures including:
• EPIDURAL STEROID AND OTHER SPINE INJECTIONS • PERCUTANEOUS DISC DECOMPRESSION • RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION • KYPHOPLASTY FOR COMPRESSION FRACTURES • DISCOGRAM
Wellness/Osteoporosis Clinic
Michael S. Haydel, M.D., FIPP, ABIPP Fellow of Interventional Pain Practice American Board of Interventional Pain Physicians American Board of Anesthesiology
Lafayette Location:
Houma Location:
Thibodaux Location:
1101 S. College Road, Suite 202 Lafayette, LA 70503
1022 Belanger St. Houma, LA 70360 Phone: (985) 223-3132
2100 Audubon Avenue Thibodaux 70301 Phone: (985) 223-3132
Phone: (337) 233-2504
www.painspecialty.net
EDITOR’S NOTE |
MARY DOWNER DITCH • EDITORIAL DIRECTOR OF POV
GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY "Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about," said Linus. "Lights, please."
Each year that passes, though, I feel he understands a little bit more about why we truly celebrate Christmas.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
In this year’s Holiday Issue, we are extremely excited to bring you our 2nd annual Home for the Holidays feature section. We also share two heartwarming stories of new technology in the NICU and a group bringing faith to Houma’s youth.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were so afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Our 2nd annual Home for the Holidays feature section welcomes you into the homes of four local families. They share with you their decorating styles and gorgeous images of their homes, all ready for the holiday season. We thank these four families for welcoming us into their homes during the holidays.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." We always hear people talking about the “true meaning of Christmas.” Our family believes in celebrating the birth of Jesus at Christmas. To me, there is just something beautiful about reading the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. The beautiful miracle of the immaculate birth of our Savior often brings a tear to my eye. I love going to Christmas Vigil Mass with our family on Christmas Eve. We are parishioners at St. Francis De Sales in Houma and typically go to the 6 p.m. service. As the Advent season comes to a close, we prepare for a season of rejoicing. We prepare to accept the greatest gift of all, God’s only son, Jesus. It’s hard to teach children about the real meaning of Christmas. I’ll admit, it’s easy to just get caught up in Santa and elves. Nearly every adult we encounter during the month of December asks Jackson what Santa is bringing him this year. Don’t get me wrong; we are at fault there too. Santa has been very generous at our home over the last few years. And with Jackson’s birthday falling in December as well, it’s often a never ending present-fest!
Childbirth can be an exciting and scary thing. The fear of the unknown is enough to give the strongest one among us cause to pause. Giving birth during the time of Covid has placed new fears into new parents, especially those whose infant must stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. TGMC has introduced NICVIEW 2 Live Video Streaming Camera Systems, a 24/7 livestream that allows parents and extended family members to view their loved ones from anywhere. While seemingly small, the ability to see your child at any time has brought comfort to many local families since its purchase. Learn more about NICVIEW starting on page 28. Since its arrival to the community four years ago, Houma’s chapter of Young Life – an international Christian ministry dedicated to helping adolescents grow in their faith – has operated with one primary focus in mind: meeting young people where they are. Young Life recently welcomed a new director to Houma, who has jump-started the group’s efforts in the area. Share in the light and love starting on page 38. Take some time this month to find your reason for the season, and rejoice in it! Merry Christmas! POV
December 2020 6 povhouma.com
More
for primary care right for in primary care your neighborhood
More options right here in your neighborhood.
ptions
Ochsnerfor Family Doctor Clinic – Mathews primary care right
here in your neighborhood.
Ochsner Family Doctor Clinic – Mathews
Michael Marcello, MD
Jack Heidenreich, MD
Andre Duplantis, MD
Megan Hartman, MD
Michael Bacon, MD
Jo Foret, NP
At Ochsner, our primary Ochsner Health Center – Raceland
care team delivers the attention youCenter need to get w Ochsner Health – Lockport Megan Matherne Hartman, MD Jo Foret, NP stay well. Our physicians are dedicated to providing quality care to meet yo exact health including annual check-ups, Ochsner immunizations care for Ochsner Health Centerneeds, – Raceland Health Centerand – Lockport and chronic conditions. Michael Marcello, MD
Jack Heidenreich, MD
Andre Duplantis, MD
Convenient locations near you:
Ochsner Health Center – Destrehan Family Ochsner Health Center – Kenner 200 W. Esplanade Avenue, Suite 210 159 Longview Drive, Suite C1 Michelle Lindsey, NP Angelique Torres, APRN Melissa Marcombe, NP Linsey Daigle, NP Mohammad Nawaz, MD Sarah Knight, MD Destrehan, LA 70047 Kenner, LA 70065 Sarah Knight, MD Mohammad Nawaz, MD Angelique Torres, NP Casie Trosclair, NP Lindsay Daigle, NP 504.443.9500 985.764.7669 Available in Lockport & Raceland
At Ochsner St. Anne, our providers are dedicated to providing quality care to meet your Ochsner Health Center River Parishes OchsnerSt. Health – Driftwood At Ochsner Anne,Center our physicians are dedicated to providing quality care to meet–your personalized health needs, including annual check-ups, immunizations and care for acute and 502 Rue deand Sante, Suite 308 and 2120 Driftwood Boulevard personalized health needs, including annual check-ups, immunizations care for acute chronic conditions. LaPlace, LA 70068 Kenner, LA 70065 chronic conditions.
504.443.9500 985.652.3500 Our team team is is growing growing to Our to better better serve serveyou. you.We Wewould wouldlike like to to welcome Dr. Sarah Ochsner Health – Luling Ochsner Health Center – LaPlace Medical Knight andCenter Dr. Megan Matherne Hartman. welcome Michael Bacon, MD. 1057 Paul Maillard Road 735 W. 5th Street Luling, LA 70070 LaPlace, LA 70068 Ochsner Family Doctor Clinic – Mathews Ochsner Health Center – Lockport 985.785.3740 Ochsner Family Doctor Clinic – Mathews 985.652.9504 Ochsner Health Center – Lockport 111 AcadiaPark ParkDr.Dr. 111 Acadia Raceland, Raceland, LA LA 70394 70394 985.537.7575 985-537-7575
Ochsner Center –– Raceland Raceland Ochsner Health Health Center 106 Cypress St. St. 106 Cypress Raceland, Raceland, LA LA 70394 70394 985.537.2273 985-537-2273
1015 CrescentAve. Ave. 1015 Crescent Lockport, Lockport, LA LA 70374 70374 985.532.1620 985-532-1620
INTERVUE |
Specializing in Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care
SAY WHAT?
What is your favorite Christmas ornament and why?
LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED
ASHLEE
THE SUITES AT SUGAR MILL POINT WELCOMES VISITORS! Schedule an appointment to meet our Experienced Leadership Team and learn about our Community.
My niece at the time was 3 years old and gave me a glass pug ornament that reminded her of Romeo, my beloved 13 year old dog who had passed away a few months before. At only 3 years old she told me not to miss him because Jesus was taking care of him now. I keep the ornament out year round to remind me to have faith like a 3 year old does.
SARA When decorating our Christmas tree each year I always enjoy going through all the unique ornaments we have. Each one has a story. Most I would never want to part ways with for sentimental reasons. But If I had to pick one to be my favorite I think I would choose my wedding cake ornament. One year I emailed a picture to a shop that makes a replica of your wedding cake into an ornament out of clay. It looks identical. It always brings back such wonderful memories of our wedding Day. Having all our family and friends there celebrating us is a sweet memory I’ll cherish forever.
CASEY I have a few favorites. They represent the big life changes that my wife Brittini and I have achieved together. My favorite ornaments are the ones we picked out when we bought our first house, when we got married, and when we had our twin boys earlier this year.
ALLYCE My favorite Christmas ornament is Mr. Bingle. Every year, since my daughter was born, I purchase a new Mr. Bingle ornament to hang on our tree. He has always been a part of my Christmas growing up and I want to continue that tradition with my own family. I think he’s just a wonderful representation of Christmas in Louisiana.
Paula, Amanda, Jay, Shannon and Emma 220 Valhi Blvd. in Houma 985.601.2994 www.SugarMillPoint.net
KAITLIN My favorite ornament is a crib with a baby girl in it that we got last year! We spent the day picking out an ornament, taking pictures with Santa, and then riding around looking at Christmas lights! The ornament hasn’t been on our tree for years- but I’m so excited to continue this tradition with my family! I can’t wait to look back and remember this is the one that started it all!
December 2020 8 povhouma.com
NEWLY EXP ANDED! ! ! BRINGING YOU THE BEST HOLIDAY SELECTION OF WINE, LIQUOR & BEER! COME “PASS A GOOD TIME” CASE DISCOUNLTES! AVAILAB
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS?
WE DELIVER!
WWW.CANNATAS.COM QUESTIONS? CALL 985-873-9189 EXPANDED ENDOCRINOLOGY CARE FOR YOU Dr. Rachel Coleman of Endocrinology Care, TGMC welcomes Dr. Sindhura Bandaru. Dr. Bandaru is board certified in Internal Medicine, and completed her Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism fellowship from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. These healthcare experts look forward to caring for all of your endocrinology needs.
ENDOCRINOLOGY CARE
TGMC
Dr. Rachel Coleman Endocrinology
Dr. Sindhura Bandaru Endocrinology
To schedule an appointment or telehealth visit at Endocrinology Care, TGMC call (985)873-3484 or visit TGMC.com
December 2020 9 povhouma.com
HOME + LIVING
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS | 12
Mark and Kayce Danos; Rachel and Brian Bergeron; Shannon and Amy Lewis; and Dean and Danielle Cheramie.
THE OBSERVER | 24 You are the Traffic
December 2020 10 povhouma.com
Old world Italian tile gives this wine room the perfect look! LET US HELP YOU MAKE YOUR DREAM FLOORS COME TRUE IN 2021!
MASK NOW so we can
‘Tis the season for parties and celebrations. With the holidays upon us, let’s work together so we can get back to the life we love in Louisiana. Wear a mask now to protect yourself, your family and neighbors—so we can party later!
01MK7441 09/20
Learn more about ways to protect yourself at bcbsla.com/covid19
later! December 2020 11 povhouma.com
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS BY BONNIE RUSHING | PHOTOS BY MISTY LEIGH MCELROY
We are pleased to welcome you "Home for the Holidays" in our second annual holiday feature section in Point of Vue! Each home is majestically decorated for the holidays, reflecting the traditions and personalities of our host families. Gather 'round with your own family and enjoy! December 2020 12 povhouma.com
Home of Mark & Kayce Danos • Home built circa: 1990s
MERRY
Christmas h AND h
HAPPY
New Year
A & H PAINT, INC.
FLOOR COVERING
751 W. BAYOU RD. 985.448.1148 THIBODAUX, LA 70301
H a p p y H o l i d ay s f r o m y ou r F r i e n d s at C i n c l a r e Follow us on social media to see our latest specials
H ou r s o f O p e r at i o n OPEN WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY 5 : 0 0 P M — 9 : 0 0 P M FRIDAY AND SATURDAY 5 : 0 0 P M — 1 0 : 0 0 P M CINCLAREFOODANDDRINK.COM | 985.227.9507 601 W. 3RD ST. | THIBODAUX
December 2020 14 povhouma.com
Kayce’s Holiday Style: Our decorating style is more traditional. We have two trees, one in our formal living room and one in our family living room. In our formal living room, the tree is formal and matches the décor of that room. The decorations have more golds, creams, and a touch of pink. These colors extend into our foyer and staircase. The tree in our family room is our family tree that we decorate as a family. Our kids really get into it! The colors are traditional Christmas colors: red and green. It has handmade ornaments, family memories, pictures of our kids, etc. We get a new family ornament every year and a new ornament for each of our children so it’s fun to look back at past ornaments, along with the new ornaments and see how we have grown. One of my favorite souvenirs when we travel is an ornament. It makes for great conversation with our kids as we decorate and reminisce over some of our favorite vacations. Lastly, we incorporate ornaments from Mark's and my childhood, which is fun for our kids to see. This tree is my personal favorite. It tells the story of our lives. I also love the display of our nativity. It keeps the focus on what Christmas is all about. The kids have their nativity, too, that they like to keep out and play with. I love how decorating for Christmas brings our family together. It is traditions like these that I hope brings our children home year after year when they are grown and have moved out of our house.
Home of Rachel & Brian Bergeron • Home built circa: 2017 December 2020 15 povhouma.com
Get Cozy with Birkenstock!
1539 MLK Blvd • Houma 985.851.1559 Mon - Fri 10-6 • Sat 10-4
Rachel’s Holiday Style: Our holiday style is simplistic. We went with silvers, golds, whites and even some slight pink touches here and there. Our kids, Laura, Scarlet and Janie, love to bake cookies and bread with me, so we do a lot of that during the holidays. Our tree is very simple but fun. This year we let the girls so crazy throwing tinsel on the tree! We love letting them decorate with us. We listen to Christmas records, bake cookies, drink hot chocolate and decorate in our pajamas.
(Closed Dec. 26)(Closed Sundays)
Designer Smiles
Dr. Catherine Schwab • 7845 Main Street Houma, LA 70360 • 985.360.3588 December 2020 17 povhouma.com
Home of Shannon & Amy Lewis • Home built circa: 1975 December 2020 18 povhouma.com
READY TO REIMAGINE YOUR BUSINESS? PRIMARY CARE 985-262-1639
WE CAN HELP.
GENERAL SURGERY 985-868-4890
ENDOCRINOLOGY 985-360-3755
PODIATRY PODI
985-868-4890
Amy’s Holiday Style: My style for Christmas is ever-changing, like creating a new painting or decorating any new space. My colors are different most years based on what I’m feeling or liking. We have had everything from a Charlie Brown tree cut out of the woods by Shannon, to dressy red ribbons and glass ornaments. I don’t necessarily buy a lot of new things each year. It’s easy to change things up with a few switches.
www.slma.cc
beauty from the inside out
181 Corporate Drive Houma, LA 70360
985-219-7546 (SKIN)
M A R K E T I N G
GET STARTED TODAY 986.868.7515 WWW.REIMAGINEMARKETING.COM
December 2020 20 povhouma.com
It’s our family’s tradition to pick out a real tree together. I love the smell of a real tree. I’ve collected ornaments from our travels and bought special ornaments each year to represent the kid's interest or as a gift for them. So it’s another tradition for us to pull those out together and decorate the tree. Those things stay the same; things that change are the garland, ribbons and toppers. I saw the beige and blush pom poms, and that was all I needed for some color inspiration. I’m a believer in buying what you love, and it all works together! I love the warmth Christmas trees and greenery bring into the home. The lights of the tree each night seem to always draw our family to sit together in that space more. These are sweet days to take time to do something special to point to the Reason we celebrate Christmas.
Home of Dean & Danielle Cheramie • Home built circa: 2006
Celebrating
YEARS
40 Danielle's Holiday Style: I love the traditional colors of red and green. This year we purchased a flocked, artificial tree so it would compliment the colors of the ornaments. I love snowmen and have a considerable collection of older treasures, as well as newer ornaments, which is shown throughout the home. Some new items were added this year for an update. I like shopping locally to help the community. Special ornaments made by our daughters, Darian and Bri, find a place on the tree. Of course, we have the four stockings hung by the chimney with care along with a plate of cookies and a mug of milk for Santa. A friend, Kelly Weaver, did the decorating this year. We also decorate the outside of our home with many items. Our family tradition has always been to have Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve with my parents and then exchange gifts. My dad passed away six years ago, but the tradition lives on with my mom. We all cherish these memories and the new ones to come. POV
Call today to schedule your appointment at our new location at the corner of HWY 311 & Polk St.
985-868-5699 From your first tooth... to your last.
Houma Family
Dental
of Community Banking
South Louisiana Bank is proud to celebrate FORTY YEARS of banking in our community. Though much in the world has changed since we began, our commitment to delivering personal, customer-focused service has never wavered. Stop in or call and one of our personal banking team members can match you with the perfect account or service to meet your needs.
ayeee.com • 985-851-3434 www.houmafamilydental.com December 2020 23 povhouma.com
THE OBSERVER |
BY KEELY DIEBOLD
YOU ARE
THE TRAFFIC No, I’m not the name that usually appears on this column. I feel a little under-qualified to be writing this, if I’m being honest. I’m a freshlygraduated 22-year-old who can tell you the plot of all 23 Marvel movies from 2008 until now, but DO NOT ask me what a 401k is. I don’t know what it is. Here’s what I do know, though: I’m not a fan of clichés. It would be easy for me, in the last POV issue of an absolute fever dream of a year, to go all “we made it through 2020” on everyone. It’s been a beyond challenging year, don’t get me wrong, but I think we’ve experienced 2020 firsthand long enough to know that to be true. I did a few things this year, despite the fact that our ability to do things this year was limited. I celebrated my Taylor Swift birthday by allowing my friends to participate in a roast of me over Zoom. I finished my last semester of college online in the spring, saw my graduation ceremony rescheduled twice and finally walked across the graduation stage last month. I even wound up with my first real big-girl job.
Providing quality care to the elderly population of our community Since 2004
I also listened to A LOT of music. Working from home most of the year gives you plenty of time to listen to hours and hours of every kind of music imaginable on Spotify. Like most people, I love music. I think it has a way of conveying what we’re feeling when we don’t necessarily know how to put those feelings into words. So, I started this year off by listening to a song that one of my favorite bands wrote a few years ago about the year 2020. The song is all about becoming comfortable with growing up and getting older. Kicking off the year with that sentiment filled me with a giddiness and hope for what the next chapter of my life would bring. Fast forward to September and month seven of a global pandemic, and that same band released a new song with a very different sentiment, called “You Are The Traffic.” At its heart, the song is about how the only person stopping us from living our lives to the absolute fullest potential is ourselves. We ask ourselves why there’s so much traffic slowing us down, when, in reality, we ARE the traffic slowing ourselves down. That song feels so poignant in the context of this year—a year where there was a lot of finger-pointing, a lot of blaming and a lot of lamenting cancelled plans.
1132 Cottage Dr. Houma, LA 985.223.4663
It feels poignant because, somehow in the midst of it all, I saw so many people I love choose to step out of their own way and go after their dreams. I watched my mom crush a new eating plan and workout routine to lose 50 pounds. I watched my older brother live his dream of turning an old hearse into
December 2020 24 povhouma.com
2021 TRAINING DATES: January 19 • April 13 July 13 • October 5 the Ghostbusters car. I watched my younger brother come back from a brutal ACL tear last December to fearlessly play his heart out in his senior football season. I watched my best friend fulfill his dream of moving to Orlando. Every day, I felt inspired by the people closest to me. Whether they consciously realized it or not, they discovered, somewhere along the way, that there was no one stopping them from going after what they wanted except themselves. That made me realize something: how often have I blamed outside factors for my problems or shortcomings, when the only person slowing me down was myself? How often have we ALL done that? It’s a hard pill to swallow, but a wake-call that we could all use. It’s easy to blame and point fingers; it takes courage to stand up and ask ourselves, “What am I going to do about it?”
CHANGE A CHILD’S STORY Volunteer
www.casaofterrebonne.org 402 Canal St. Houma, LA | 985-876-0250
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our Farm Bureau family!
We may be leaving 2020, but 2020 isn’t necessarily going to leave us. I pray that, as we move into 2021, we take what we felt this year, and turn it into something meaningful. Just look at the athletes who played every game this fall like it was their last. Look at the students who completed school online. Look at the young adults who started their dream businesses. They made something out of the hand they were dealt instead of giving up.
282 Corporate Drive, Houma, LA 70360
Don’t be the traffic in your life. If you see something you want changed, what are you going to do about it moving into next year? POV
Phone:985.876.2876 • Fax: 985.851.5392 Auto•Home•Life Real Service. Real People. December 2020 25 povhouma.com
www.lafarmbureau.com
FOOD + FUN
A BEAUTIFUL VIEW | 28
TGMC introduces NICUVIEW cameras for their tiniest patients.
THE OBSERVER | 32 The Weary World Rejoices
BON APPETIT | 34 Cookie Crazy
December 2020 26 povhouma.com
NEW STOCK DAILY Call for Inventory
NOW IN STOCK! CHEST & UPRIGHT FREEZERS SAVE NOW ON A WASHER & DRIER PAIR
authorized dealer Uverse • directv • phone
Queen Sets Starting at $359.90 Samsung, whirlpool, Frigidaire, Maytag
82” LG TV ON SPECIAL
5805 West Main St., Houma, LA 70360
868-2765
CHARGE
“TV, Stereo & Appliance Specialists” Great Brands, Low Prices, Nice Folks™ NOW SET UP FOR BILLY’S CHARGE CARD
*With Approved Credit. See store for details.
MON-FRI 9AM-6PM • SAT 9AM-5PM • WWW.BILLYSTVANDSTEREO.COM • FIND US ON FACEBOOK: BILLYSTVANDSTEREO
December 2020 27 povhouma.com
CARD
A Beautiful View
December 2020 28 povhouma.com
STORY BY DREW MILLER | PHOTOS SUBMITTED The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is one of the most vital units in any medical facility, caring for babies who have such conditions as heart problems, birth defects, breathing trouble and infections. Around 10 to 15 percent of all babies born in the United States require NICU care. A baby’s stay in the unit can take a significant toll on parents, especially when they are away from their child — left to question how their loved one is faring without them near. However, for parents of newborns who have a lengthy stay in the Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC) NICU, recently installed technology is putting their minds at ease. In the fall, the hospital introduced NICVIEW 2 Live Video Streaming Camera Systems, a 24/7 livestream that allows parents and extended family members to view their loved ones from anywhere. The passwordprotected system can be accessed by a smartphone. “TGMC Women’s Health Center knows that childbirth is an emotional event for parents and families, particularly when a newborn’s first few critical days, weeks or even months are spent in the NICU,” reads a statement from TGMC. “NICVIEW 2 is inobtrusive and can be activated and repositioned at will, ensuring NICU staff remain in control of the care process at all times.”
CALL TODAY & SCHEDULE A TOUR! Offering 3 levels of home-based education for students in grades K-12, as well as on-campus learning
The system was made possible by funds raised by the TGMC Volunteer Auxiliary and an $18,500 donation from the Cooper Life Fund (CLF).
LEVEL 1 Parent-directed homeschooling
“We strive to provide the latest technology for our patients and their families and are tremendously thankful for the partnership with the Cooper Life Fund which enables us to offer the NICVIEW that will bring peace of mind to the families of our tiniest warriors here at TGMC,” says Phyllis People, President and CEO of TGMC.
LEVEL 2 Teacher-directed homeschooling with accreditation
The nonprofit was founded by Ashley and John Fontenot to help families of children born with serious medical conditions. “It’s already emotional and kind of a roller coaster ride of a situation for parents, especially having your newborn baby being admitted into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit — just that alone can make it very, very difficult,” John says. “Then you add COVID on to the situation where only one parent can come in.”
LEVEL 3H eLearning Academy: Home-Based with Teacher Instruction and Assistance
eLearning Academy is a nationally accredited, BESE approved, and NCAA approved private school.
Thibodaux: 985-447-5994 806 N. Acadia Rd.
December 2020 29 povhouma.com
Houma: 985-223-9077 220 Civic Center Blvd. ntoups@elearningk12.com
John and Ashley’s son, Cooper, was born with a life-threatening heart defect, forcing him to spend many weeks in the hospital and endure an open-heart surgery when he was only nine days old. Today, the 15-year-old is alive and well. “When Cooper was in the NICU for his term, we were there 100 percent of the time,” John recalls. “But times are a lot different these days. Just to be able to see and look at your son or your daughter or your grandchild, it just helps so much. It
adds emotional support to the family’s home.” Going on its 15th year, the annual Super Cooper 5K is the main fundraiser for the organization. Attracting around 200 runners each year, the event has been able to raise a total of $169,000 for the TGMC NICU, with proceeds either going directly to helping its families or babies, paying for its nurses’ training or to its programs, such as NICVIEW. “The race and the foundation are named
December 2020 30 povhouma.com
after our son Cooper, but we put this together not for Cooper,” John says. “It's just in his name to help others who are going through what Cooper and we went through.” “Terrebonne General has just been amazing in this,” he continued. "Their number one concern is always: what can we do for these families and for these babies. They collaborated with us on so many different things. It is amazing to see them in action, and we're proud and honored to be a part of it with these guys.”
“It’s already emotional and kind of a roller coaster ride of a situation for parents, especially having your newborn baby being admitted into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit — just that alone can make it very, very difficult. Then you add COVID on to the situation where only one parent can come in.”
985.872.1431 1000 BARATARIA @ TUNNEL BLVD., HOUMA WWW.VALLEYSUPPLYCO.COM FACEBOOK.COM/PAGES/VALLEY-SUPPLY-CO
-John Fontenot
A mother shared what the new camera system has meant to her. At 26-weeks pregnant, she had a placental abruption, causing her baby to be born prematurely. Around press time, her baby had been in the hospital for 11 weeks, which is before and after NICVIEW was installed. She went on to say her other children love to watch their new baby sister on her phone, and her husband keeps it on virtually all day. She says that NICVIEW gives her family “peace of mind.” POV
Auto - Home - Flood - Commercial 985-262-1435 • trinitycoverage.com
December 2020 31 povhouma.com
THE OBSERVER |
BY JAIME DISHMAN
THE WEARY WORLD
REJOICES The temptation to join in the chorus of “thank the Lord this year is almost over” is real. Tempting to add my voice to all the others waiting for a new year as though the flip of a page on a calendar will change our world. 2020 - It’s a year our kids will tell their kids about. The year of the pandemic. Riots.
Old Estate ART GALLERY, INC.
ORIGINAL ARTWORK GIFTS DECOR AND MORE FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK OLD ESTATE ART GALLERY A HOME ACCESSORIES STORE 202 E. SEVENTH ST., THIBODAUX, LA 70301 PH. 985.447.5413
But as we gather to sing carols that have been sung for dozens of years, the words remind me that we aren’t the first generation who feels tired out, worn thin and ready for something new. It’s right there in the song we have sung at Christmas all our lives. ‘Oh Holy Night’. It takes four lines, but finally the songwriter gets to the point that we all feel. “The weary world rejoices.” The world has been tired for a long time. People have longed to feel a “thrill of hope” that would replace the dread of facing tomorrow. The promised savior the songwriter sings of gives the world reason to rejoice. What do you do if you don’t feel like rejoicing this year? Be mindful of the miracles. Shepherds were visited by an angel. The wise men saw the star. Somewhere out there is a miracle waiting to be born that you’re called to see. We’re wisest when we follow the star that leads us to the miracle an entire world is waiting to see. Be mindful of the miracles. It may feel an impossible task in the day-to-day navigating of a wearisome world. “The height of my joy is dependent on the depths of my thanks,” Ann Voskamp writes. It’s been a few years since I’ve turned the pages of her book that turned the weariness in my soul to a joy that I hadn’t realized I’d lost. “As long as thanks is possible, then joy is always possible …. The holy grail of joy is not in some exotic location or some emotional mountain peak experience. The joy wonder could be here. Here in the messy, piercing ache of now, joy might be - unbelievably - possible.” Is it possible to find joy even in the remaining days of 2020?
December 2020 32 povhouma.com
Be mindful of the miracles. So I’ve started my list again. The one that reminds me of everyday miracles right where I am. It’s a simple list forcing me to take joy in the here and now instead of waiting for a moment when the world feels right side up again.
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS! GET THE GIFTS THEY REALLY WANT
We wish all our neighbors peace, joy and love this Christmas season and beyond. We are blessed to be part of such a wonderful community.
• The bright moon’s crescent in a dark night sky. • Six-year-old’s smile as he rides a bike in the rain.
Merry Christmas, neighbors.
Like a good neighbor,
TRACTOR
State Farm is there.®
• The holding of hands around the dinner table in a pause of thanks before our meal. • Yellow flowers in a deserted field.
Darryl M Brue, Agent 1950 Prospect Blvd Houma, LA 70363 Bus: 985-851-2584 darrylbrue.com
• Spiced cinnamon sprinkles. It’s a continuation of the list I started all those years ago. A list of things all around me that make me smile, give me joy, remind to give thanks for what I’ve been given. Little things are on my list. A few big things. But mostly the things I’d forgotten to notice in the months of unthankfulness. Months when I forgot to look around me and be mindful of the miracles surrounding me. Miracles waiting for me to take notice.
Rene Carreker Ins Agcy Inc Rene Carreker, Agent 1221 Museum Drive Houma, LA 70360 renecarreker.com
In a month where so many people write lists of gifts they’re longing to have, I’m making a list of gifts I already have. Gifts I didn’t notice until I started jotting them down. Finding a thankfulness I forgot. Being mindful of the miracles that are already mine. POV
802 HWY 182 Houma, LA 70364 (985) 851-1242 www.spehouma.com
Mark Andrepont, Agent 5947 W Main Street Houma, LA 70360 Bus: 985-876-5815 markandrepont.com
State Farm Bloomington, IL 2006049
December 2020 33 povhouma.com
FOOD + FUN |
BON APPETIT
COOKIE CRAZY I love baking around the holidays! There is just something about the smells that come from baking that my brain associates with Christmas. I may not be a great chef, but by gosh darn, I can bake!
make year after year. One of the secrets to making soft gingerbread cookie men is rolling the dough “tick tick� between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch thick. The other is not to overbake Making Christmas cookies that my son them. Overbaking will cause them to can help with are an added bonus when become too crisp. it comes to baking. He likes selecting You can make the dough ahead of time the cookie cutters and decorating the and refrigerate up to four days. Just finished sweets. One of our favorite remember to let the dough return to cookies to make are gingerbread men. I room temperature before you attempt to have a recipe that is pretty simple that I cut out your shapes!
GINGERBREAD COOKIES Directions 1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Stir in the brown sugar and molasses until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined. Remove from heat. 2. Let the mixture cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a large mixing bowl. Beat in the egg. 3. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice. 4. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients with a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula (not an electric mixer) until you can’t see any flour anymore. The dry ingredients should be well incorporated but do not overmix or the gingerbread cookies will be tough. 5. Divide the gingerbread cookie dough in half. Form each half into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to four days. 6. When ready to bake, remove one disk of gingerbread cookie dough at a time from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.
7. Heat the oven to 350 F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Place a little flour on the parchment paper. 8. Unwrap the room temperature dough, placing the plastic wrap on top of the dough as a buffer to keep the rolling pin from sticking to the dough. 9. Roll the gingerbread cookie dough to a thickness of 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Cut into desired shapes. Arrange the gingerbread cookies on the baking sheets, so that they are 1 inch apart. Repeat with the remaining disk of dough. 10. Bake the gingerbread cookies from 4 to 7 minutes or until just firm to the touch. The cooking time will depend on how thick you rolled the cookies and of course, your oven. Watch carefully! 11. Remove the cookies from the oven, leaving them on the hot sheet for around 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. 12. Decorate with royal icing, colored sugars, sprinkles, or candy canes. Store for up to one week in a covered container.
December 2020 34 povhouma.com
Ingredients • 3/4 cup butter • 1 cup brown sugar
Merry Christmas
(light or dark, firmly packed)
• 1/2 cup molasses • 1 large egg • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or white whole-wheat flour)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Schedule Your Free In-Home Consultation Today!
985-223-6544
BUDGETBLINDS.COM
IT’S TIME TO GET ONLINE NO PAYWALL. NO SUBSCRIPTION.
FIVE FARMS IRISH CREAM LIQUEUR Five Farms is a true farm-to-table product, crafted from single batches of fresh cream that are combined with premium Irish Whiskey within 48 hours of collection to become authentic Irish Cream Liqueur. The cream is sourced entirely from five family-owned farms in County Cork, run by families that have a deep connection to the land and a passion for their craft. Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur is best served on the rocks. Simply open the bottle, and pour over fresh, clear ice and you have a perfect cocktail. POV
HOUMATIMES.COM December 2020 35 povhouma.com
MIND + BODY
BRINGING THE LIGHT | 38
Young Life shares their message of light to our area youth.
WE SUPPORT A HEALTHIER FUTURE | 44 Healthy Holiday Eating
December 2020 36 povhouma.com
EXPANDED PULMONARY CARE FOR YOU The team at Pulmonary Care TGMC is proud to welcome Dr. Navin Kumar Durairajan. Dr. Durairajan is board certified in Internal Medicine and is a Pulmonary and Critical Care Specialist. These healthcare experts look forward to caring for all of your pulmonary needs.
Dr. Navin Durairajan Pulmonology
Dr. Ralph Bourgeois Pulmonology
Dr. Andrea Lorio Pulmonology
Jade Carrere, NP-C Nurse Practitioner
To schedule an appointment or telehealth visit at Pulmonary Care, TGMC call (985)851-0059 or visit TGMC.com
205 Venture Boulevard Houma, LA 70360 Tel: 985-868-0430 Mon-Fri 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM www.fleetsupplywhse.com
LOCALLY OWNED SINCE 1974
December 2020 37 povhouma.com
Bringing
THE LIGHT December 2020 38 povhouma.com
PERSONAL SERVICE IN PERSON
BY KEELY DIEBOLD | PHOTOS SUBMITTED Since its arrival to the community four years ago, Houma’s chapter of Young Life – an international Christian ministry dedicated to helping adolescents grow in their faith – has operated with one primary focus in mind: meeting young people where they are. “We’re going to go to them. We’re going to go to their football games, their volleyball games, to Chick-Fil-A on a Thursday night. Wherever they are and want to hang out and feel comfortable, that’s where we’re going to go,” Houma Young Life Board Chair Jourdan Despot says. “We’re going to go meet you, have a relationship with you and get you fired up and plugged into a local church. Wherever your family fits in, that’s where you need to be.” Houma’s Young Life formed in 2016 as interest began to circulate in the area among community members familiar with the ministry. Jourdan says that within his first six months of living in Houma, there was a “centripetal mass” of people committed to getting the pieces moving for a Young Life in the Houma area. Interest meetings began in August of 2016, and by December, the chapter was officially sanctioned as LA77.
What does it mean to be IN good hands?SM It means you get my personal attention. Not just today, but as your coverage needs change over the years. Let me help you choose the right amount of protection with a free Personalized Insurance Proposal. Call or stop in today. Personalized service. Trusted advice.
“2016 was our oil crash. Like that was when oil was going down. It was not a good time in Houma to start raising money as a nonprofit. It was probably not a good time to start. So we were like, well, we’ll see. It’s a God-sized goal. We’ll see where God moves, and real quick we saw that people in this community would rally around kids, and they would rally around Christ,” Jourdan says.
However, the chapter had been missing a valuable piece of its puzzle moving toward that future: an area director. This past June, Houma’s Young Life found that missing piece in Lafayette native Cody Sanders, who has already anchored himself in the Houma December 2020 39 povhouma.com
Stephanie Hebert 985-868-1886 854 Grand Caillou Road Houma shebert@allstate.com Subject to terms, conditions and availability. Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Co., Allstate Insurance Co., Allstate Vehicle and Property Insurance Co., Allstate Indemnity Co. © 2016 Allstate Insurance Co.
227979
The chapter has spent the time since its inception building a foundation for its future, as Jourdan says Houma’s Young Life wanted to start things off on the right note.
From our FAMILY to yours, MERRY CHRISTMAS! community, engaging in everything from substitute teaching at local schools, to Bible studies with adolescents in the community.
and it wasn’t so much what he said a lot of times, but the fact that he was always there and always present,” Cody says.
Jourdan says he has seen momentum growing in support from the community over the last few months since Cody’s arrival.
As Cody transitioned to attending college out of state, his leader put him into contact with Young Life’s area director in Oxford, Miss., where Cody went on to serve as a volunteer leader for three and a half years at Oxford High School.
“We want to have steady growth as we build, so this fall has been perfect for building relationships with parents and kids,” Jourdan says.
8167 Redfish St. Chauvin, LA 70344
in Cocodrie (985) 637-0896 (985) 594-2067
No stranger to Young Life’s ministry, Cody says he grew up going to Young Life in Lafayette. He initially met his Young Life leader in seventh grade when his leader served as a substitute teacher at his school. “One of my most vivid memories is him being one of the first people on the track after a football game to tell me good game,
After college, he says he felt called to become a full-time Young Life staff member. He applied for the role and was placed in Huntsville, Ala., for three years, overseeing ministry at two local schools. With connections in Louisiana, he ultimately found his way to Houma in June. Cody says that Young Life’s role in the community revolves around several “seeds.” The first is contact work, which he
December 2020 40 povhouma.com
TIS TIS THE THE SEASON SEASON TO TO
Treat yourself or someone you love this holiday season with the help of Rau Plastic Surgery. Choose from a variety of effective and luxurious products: says involves reaching out to young people where they are in their day-to-day lives, as well as serving local schools in whatever capacity necessary. “We hope, through that, to get to build relationships with kids, adults, coaches. Whoever we might run into, and that’s kind of like the bedrock of Young Life’s foundation,” Cody says. Though the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the way that Young Life is able to conduct events, Cody says the next seed typically involves weekly or bi-weekly meetings called Club, which Jourdan refers to as a “party with a purpose.” At Club, participants can enjoy high-energy activities and music alongside a message about Jesus. Club, Cody says, is built for those who have “never encountered Christ.”
Young Life’s biggest event is its annual camp, dubbed as “The Best Week of Your Life.” There, participants pick up their phones for a week, stay at one of the organization’s mountain-based properties across the world and participate in activities centered on faith. The final seed, Cody says, is smallgroup Bible studies among Young Life participants, which Jourdan says is the ministry’s channel for diving deeper into one’s faith. At the heart of all of Young Life’s work lies a central goal of paving the way for young people to have a meaningful encounter with Jesus and getting them connected with other Christians at their churches, groups and more. In a world where middle and high school students are facing more pressures than
December 2020 41 povhouma.com
SkinCeuticals Obagi EltaMD Gift cards are also available.
In a world where middle and high school students are facing more pressures than ever, Jourdan says it’s valuable to reach out to them during such a pivotal time and let them know they’re loved unconditionally. ever, Jourdan says it’s valuable to reach out to them during such a pivotal time and let them know they’re loved unconditionally.
to succeed in all of those areas. Thus, it’s important to bring the organization’s ministry to them.
might have been freshmen in college at this point, so maybe Mom and Dad let them road trip. I hope they asked!”
“They’ve got questions that I was never even asking: Where do I belong? Who do I follow? Do I follow the bars? The sports athlete? The movie star? Who is my role model?” Jordan says. “You’re looking to your friends or you’re looking to the TV or to Instagram to find your niche. It’s a really tough time for kids, and if we can be just one extra light...and give them something sustaining...I think that trajectory, we could literally change a kid’s life.”
In a world that can feel intimidating and confusing, Jourdan says that those involved with Young Life feel that it’s their purpose to bring the community together to rally around Christ and start a movement in young people’s lives. He and Cody have both felt impacted and inspired by the children they’ve encountered throughout their ministry.
Jourdan says he’s excited about the position that Houma’s Young Life organization is currently in, and the chapter is always looking for support through volunteers, donors or people who can simply help to connect Young Life with students or adults looking to get involved.
Jourdan and Cody say that young people are often jam-packed with the demands of school, sports and extracurricular activities, capped off with the pressure
Cody’s initial group of Young Life students at Oxford High School even took a surprise road trip to attend his wedding in Georgia, he says. “They didn’t tell me they were coming. They just showed up,” Cody laughs. “They December 2020 42 povhouma.com
Above all, Young Life simply wants to form relationships with members of the community. “Before we would ask anything of you, I would love to just get to know you and build that relationship with somebody,” Cody says. POV
Treat yourself this season. From elegantly crafted faucets, toilets and tubs to timeless, Carrara marble fixtures, DXV’s Belshire Collection delivers all the glamour and sparkle to make your bathroom shine for the holidays.
V I S I T C O B U R N ' S K I T C H E N & B AT H S H O W R O O M T O D AY ! HOUMA 5186 Hwy. 311 // Houma, LA 70360 Monday – Friday 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM (After-hours appointments are available) (985) 873-7776
THIBODAUX 1300 Ridgefield Rd. // Thibodaux, LA 70301 Monday – Friday 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM (After-hours appointments are available) (985) 446-0458
Give Yourself the Gift of Glamour A TRUE FAMILY DENTAL PRACTICE
985.868.4681 · 306 CIVIC CENTER BLVD. · HOUMA, LA 70360 WWW.BRIANJBENOITDDS.COM • BENOITDENTAL@BELLSOUTH.NET December 2020 43 povhouma.com
WE SUPPORT A HEALTHIER FUTURE |
BY THIBODAUX REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM
HEALTHY HOLIDAY EATING The holidays are upon us and most of us are excited about spending time with family and friends, but endless options of food for the whole family can make it easy to overeat. Although this can be a busy time for most people, we have to remember to slow down and take our health into consideration. We know that these events will center around food so here are some tips to enjoy yourself in a balanced way this holiday season. It can be tricky to make “half your plate” vegetables if there are no actual vegetables being served. Consider bringing a dish of non-starchy veggies to the holiday festivity. And while we are talking about veggies, try eating them first before you enjoy the turkey, ham, stuffing and sweet potato pie. This helps make sure you actually eat your vegetables before getting full. They are also packed with nutrients like vitamins, minerals and fiber for your overall good health. Skipping meals is a popular strategy for holiday eating, but skipping breakfast and lunch to “save” all of your calories
food—if eggnog doesn’t excite you, skip it. There will likely be an endless assortment of cakes, cookies, and pies at your holiday meal. Have some. Enjoy it. If you want to taste every dessert, consider having a small sampling of each.
for dinner typically leads to overeating. Instead, have a balanced breakfast and enjoy a satisfying lunch the day of the event. Another tip to try is incorporating mindful eating. Being mindful is about eating the foods you enjoy in a new way. When you eat more mindfully, you are using all your senses in choosing to eat food that is both satisfying to you and nourishing to your body. Try to become aware of your physical hunger and satiety cues to guide your decisions to begin and end eating. Eating mindfully will also help to not eat something just because it’s there. Focus on only eating the foods you absolutely love. Don’t eat something just because it’s a holiday
When it comes to alcohol, try alternating between water and alcohol to decrease intake and also stay hydrated. Using seltzer water instead of regular soda can also help minimize the amount of liquid calories throughout the day. For holiday-themed beverages, use non-fat milk, flavored extracts and avoid the whipped cream on top. Healthy holiday eating can make people anxious, but try not to get too worked up. This should be a time of celebration and relaxation. If you do happen to eat more than you planned during this holiday season, don’t beat yourself up. More importantly, don’t let a slip become a fall. If you do go overboard, don’t get stuck in a food rut. Try to get back to your healthy eating habits as soon as you possibly can.
For more information on available resources call Thibodaux Regional Wellness Education Center, 985.493.4765.
And this means...
December 2020 44 povhouma.com
FUN FACTS BE READY TO SPARKLE AT YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY GATHERING WITH SOME USEFUL CHRISTMAS TRIVIA!
STOP IN OR SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY!
OPEN
Monday through Friday 10AM to 4PM Saturday 10AM to 2PM
1154 Barrow St., Houma, LA
(985) 873-8200
regionalmilitarymuseum.com
The tallest Christmas tree ever was 221 ft. tall and was displayed in Seattle.
LESS EXPOSURE. QUICK AND CONVENIENT.
TOOT & SCOOT Actually buying “swans a swimming” would cost over $6,000.
CURB SERVICE ON PRESCRIPTIONS
SOUTHLAND DRUGS
1117 1117 Audubon Audubon Ave. Ave. •• Thibodaux Thibodaux •• 985-447-5852 985-447-5852
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
OUTH The candy cane is shaped like a “J” for Jesus and red stripes symbolize his blood.
OUISIANA
INANCIAL
ERVICES, LLC
GROUP & INDIVIDUAL INSURANCE BENEFITS Medical • Disability Life • Dental
COMMERCIAL
Property • Liability Workers’ Comp
Not A Deposit • Not FDIC Insured No Bank Guarantee
315 South Hollywood Rd • Houma, LA 70360
www.slfsllc.com • 985-851-4281
The two busiest shopping days of the year are the two days prior to Christmas.
One in every three men wait until Christmas Eve to buy gifts.
Merry Christmas from
Rushing Media
*According to berries.com
December 2020 45 povhouma.com
HOME FOR THE
HOLIDAYS 2 YEARS INTEREST FREE FINANCING
UNDER THE SCOPE |
BY JOHN DOUCET
THE LOST EPISODE [The Bridge, festively decorated.] Kirk (recording): Captain’s Log, Stardate 3187.12. In our quest to find new life and new civilizations, the crew of the Enterprise pauses to honor old civilizations—specifically, an old Earth custom of gift-giving—symbols of the gold, frankincense, and myrrh given to the newborn savior of an ancient desert people. The custom—if we interpret Earth history correctly—involves great reverence and, in later centuries, a degree of revelry as well. Spock: Humans have an amazing capacity for…
CREATE YOUR OWN SANCTUARY
Scotty: …That’s right, Mr. Spock! You’re half-human. So, here’s a half-glass of Starfleet’s finest. Kirk: It’s okay, Spock. Sip. Bones: Jim, you really don’t want to see the antidote for Vulcan hangover! I’ll alert Sickbay now. Kirk (recording): My gift to Mr. Spock is to fulfill his scientific curiosity and provide whatever actions necessary to investigate his latest discovery.
BEST PLACE TO SHOP
Spock: Captain, I’ve discovered a significant space-time distortion at Stardate 2020.12 in the vicinity of a small moon orbiting Earth. Kirk: Mr. Spock, Bones, Uhura—Transporter Room. Mr. Sulu, you have the helm. [Planet Surface, facing a large, unnatural structure with a white, domed top.] Bones: What the devil is this? Uhura (viewing the Tricorder): Captain, this location is called “Louisiana Superdome.” Spock: My coordinates were accurate, Captain. From space, it indeed looks like a small moon. (He shows Kirk the screen of his Tricorder.)
YOUTH
Kirk: Understood. Detail, fan out. Be careful: Shuttles travel on ground here. Bones, take the perimeter. Spock, Uhura—with me. We’re going inside this thing. Phasers on stun. [Inside the moon-like structure. A few humans inside, loudly communicating.] Uhura: Recording, Captain.
RECLINER
MATTRESSES
IN STOCK ITEMS FOR FAST DELIVERY
Spock: Captain, if I understand these geometric field formations correctly, I believe this to be an ancient form of athletic competition. Kirk: Indeed, Mr. Spock. It was called “football”. Uhura (reading the Tricorder): But if this is football, … Kirk: …where are all the spectators? [Nearby, inside a large, square building. Many humans inside, some rushing about, mostly dressed in white. Some are wheeled on chairs and beds. Resembles Sickbay.] Bones: Well, this sure looks familiar.
6667 West Park Ave. Houma, LA 985-851-2443
www.landmarkhomeonline.com Due to COVID, check for store hours.
Security Guard: Okay, pal. Where’s the mask? Can’t get past here without a mask. Bones: But I’m a doctor! Security Guard: Then you should know better. (handing Bones a mask) Put this on. December 2020 46 povhouma.com
Bones: By God, man! Do you think I’m going into surgery like this? Security Guard: Put it on, or I’ll MAKE you put it on! (He puts a hand on his pistol holster.) Bones: Will you look at that! That’s ancient! (Bones shows his Phaser.) Here’s the latest model. [Inside the moon-like structure.] Spock: Captain, the archives of Earth’s history for this Stardate indicate a viral pandemic. Kirk: That explains the few spectators.
Merry Christmas Ask about our 0% Financing
Residential and Commercial
Uhura: Are these the only ones left? Spock: The only allowed inside. Restrictions established to control that which is uncontrollable. Kirk (into Communicator): Bones, where are you? There’s uncontrolled disease… [Inside a small room, Bones sits, handcuffed, with a Communicator in his face.] Bones: Yeah! Tell me something I DON’T know! [Inside the moon-like structure.]
AC & Heating Sales and Service Factory Trained Techs
Kirk: Restrictions. No spectating, no dining, no interactions, no… being human. Spock: This is the space-time distortion, Captain. Time, as they perceive it, is paused for many. Kirk: And for some, gone forever. Uhura: Why uncontrollable, Captain? What don’t they understand in this time? Spock: That the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. Bones (heard through the Communicator): Just wear a damn mask...! Spock: …in order to live long and prosper. Kirk: Insightful, Mr. Spock. And logical. Now, let’s get the hell out of here. (into the Communicator) Scotty, beam us up. …Scotty? To be continued. POV
1309 st. patrick st. 446-6256 • Thibodaux 868-4421 • Houma December 2020 47 povhouma.com
RENDEZVOUS |
WHERE YOU NEED TO BE AROUND TOWN
Winterfest
will be available for socially distanced photographs.
Winterfest is a free drive-through seasonal light display on the Nicholls campus. Campus will be transformed into a familyfriendly display of time-honored, classic holiday traditions for all to enjoy.
Thibodaux Christmas Parade
December 1-31, 6-9 p.m. Nicholls State University campus
NEWLY
EXPANDED!!! BRINGING YOU THE BEST HOLIDAY SELECTION OF WINE, LIQUOR & BEER! CASE DISCOUNLTES! AVAILAB
Scan QR Code to Learn More or Join Today!
TFAE Purses and Promises: A Girls’ Night Out for Children’s Literacy Fundraiser December 4, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Courtyard by Marriott, Houma
This amazing evening features gently used designer and brand name purses for sale and a silent auction to help raise funds for Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence. There are over 150 gently used brand name and designer purses for sale and 40 gently used and brand new designer purses in the silent auction. Guests can also enjoy shopping pop-up shops from local boutiques and door prizes. Pop-up shops include U R What U Wear, La Bella Vida Lifestyles, Rumors Resale and Boujee Beads. Delicious hors d’oeuvres and wine are included with ticket purchase. All proceeds from the event help fund the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library reading program in Terrebonne Parish. Tickets are $55 per person, $25 of which goes directly to sponsoring a Terrebonne Parish child in the Imagination Library for one year. Tickets must be purchased before the event. Visit tfae.org/pursespromises to purchase.
Houma Christmas Parade December 5, 5 p.m., Houma HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS?
WE DELIVER! HOMES, CAMPS OR BIZ!
IN AS LITTLE AS 1HOUR QUESTIONS? CALL 985-873-9189
SHOP ONLINE AT:
WWW.CANNATAS.COM FOR QUESTIONS, INQUIRIES & ORDERS CONTACT:
LANE BATES
985-209-9762 LANEBATES@CANNATAS.COM
The Houma Christmas Parade will take to the streets for an evening of fun! The parade will start at Terrebonne High School, continue down Main Street to Barrow Street, turning right and ending at Town Hall. The Christmas Tree Lighting will start at 7 p.m. on the Courthouse Square. Santa and Mrs. Claus
December 6, 3 p.m., Thibodaux
The Thibodaux Christmas Parade will be rolling this year, with a new route! The parade will begin on Nicholls State University campus at Afton Drive, proceed up Audubon Avenue to Menard Street/ East 5th Street, across Canal Boulevard to West 3rd Street, and end at Weeping Willow Café & Bakery. Due to COVID restrictions, pictures with Santa & Mrs. Claus will not take place this year but you are invited to shop & dine with downtown businesses the day of the parade as many will be open and ready to serve you. Everyone in attendance must adhere to all COVID-related restrictions in place at the time of the event, including social distancing and wearing a mask.
Family Christmas Festival
December 18-20 Bayou Country Children’s Museum, Thibodaux
The Christmas Family Festival is sure to put your family in the holiday mood! This festival includes several different parts that require ticket purchases. The Papa Noel Christmas Village will be outside on the grounds of BCCM. The Village includes an ice skating rink, the world’s largest snowman bounce house, the world’s largest rocking horse ride, and a live snowglobe. Your ticket purchase also includes A Visit to Santa’s Land hosted by the Thibodaux Service League. One day tickets are $20 per person before 12/17. A weekend pass is $50 per person before 12/17. Vendors will be on hand, selling food and merchandise. Additional events this weekend that require additional tickets include Photos with Papa Noel and Breakfast with Coco at Cuvee on Saturday. Daily festival hours are: Friday, 6-9 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Sunday 12-7 p.m. More information and ticket sales can be found at bayoucountrychildrensmuseum. org.
All events are subject to cancelation and/or date/time changes to due to current COVID-19 phases or mandates. December 2020 48 povhouma.com
WWW.ROBICHAUXFORD.NET
Headache & Adolfo J. Cuadra, MD
Jimmy N. Ponder, Jr., M.D.
www.answertopain.com December 2020 49 povhouma.com
Mimi Wilson OT, PA-C
985.580.1200
LOOK TWICE |
WIN A $50
COURTESY OF SYNERGY BANK
GIFT CARD
Find the six differences in this photo from our feature on page 12. Email your answers to us at looktwice@povhouma.com or drop it in the mail: Rushing Media, P.O. Box 5013, Houma, LA, 70361. A winner will be picked by random drawing December 20. The winner will receive a $50 Visa® gift card courtesy of Synergy Bank. Participants must be 18 years or older.
Congratulations to Terri Bergeron for winning last month’s contest.
Don’t get tangled up in debt! Start saving for next Christmas with a uSave account.
banksynergy.com | 985.851.2217 December 2020 50 povhouma.com
ANSWERS TO LAST MONTH’S CONTEST 1 Removed the vent from ceiling 2 Added Cow upstairs 3 Added a yellow pillow on the couch 4 Changed the color of the pillow on the chair 5 Added bread bowl on mantle 6 Removed pumpkin from entertainment
center
Oh What Fun It Is To Ride
6161 WEST PARK AVE., HOUMA, LA | 876-1817
December 2020 51 povhouma.com www.southlanddodgechryslerjeep.com
December 2020 52 povhouma.com
